Studying in a music city offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in your art; to experience your chosen city’s musical history every day by being a living and breathing part of it. You’ll get to know its vibe, help to progress its music scene and will meet a host of talented likeminded musicians along the way who will help you shape your future career.

What’s a music city?

Before BIMM opens a college in a new city, there’s one condition which must be fulfilled above all others – it must be located in a ‘music city’. A music city is one where music matters most. It’s a city which has an undeniable musical history… and an obvious musical future. A city which is vibrant and creative, with regular easy access to gigs, artists, producers, record labels, venues and recording studios. A city which has heralded countless exceptional acts and maybe even renowned global genres.

And that’s exactly where our eight college locations across Europe come in – there’s no denying that London, Berlin, Dublin, Manchester, Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham and Hamburg are all music cities.

Whether it’s having special access to London’s 117 world-class live venues, Bristol’s 5 music festivals, Brighton’s 11 record labels or Manchester’s 38 recording studios, or simply being at the vanguard of an exciting time in your chosen city’s musical history, BIMM’s considered college locations will connect you to a life in music.

How we’re connected to the music scene

BIMM employs tutors who, on top of being educators, are professionals active and working in the music business. Their unrivalled industry knowledge and experience allows BIMM to connect to the heart of a city’s music scene, as well as its people and businesses.

Every BIMM location provides its own unique music industry opportunities. Whether it’s BIMM Manchester’s Masterclasses with local music heroes Alan McGee (Creation Records), Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays) and Mike Joyce (The Smiths), or U2’s The Edge giving the keynote address at BIMM Dublin’s graduation ceremony, our music city connections are as good as it gets. And the examples just keep coming.

There’s legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi’s scholarship to BIMM Birmingham students which recognises talent and creativity in music. And the fact that Roger Daltrey – the lead singer of The Who – is BIMM Brighton’s much-loved Patron. There are also chances for our Bristol students to take part in unique work experience placements at festivals run by BIMM Bristol tutors – 2000Trees and ArcTanGent, and opportunities for our BIMM Hamburg and BIMM Berlin students at Germany’s renowned Reeperbahn Festival. Thanks to these exclusive links, BIMM’s dedicated Careers Teams are able to connect you to a host of internships, work experience opportunities and industry placements, leading to an enviable CV upon graduation.

Expand your global network

One of the best things about having a network of colleges in music cities across Europe is that we can offer you something no other music college can. The BIMM Study Exchange allows you to complete your music degree across BIMM colleges in two music cities, with a choice of London, Berlin, Brighton, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham or Hamburg locations. You can start your studies at one BIMM college, before transferring to another for your second year of study, and then deciding whether to remain in your new city for your final year, or return to your original ‘home’ college.

The unique programme is possible because all BIMM degrees across these locations are validated by the University of Sussex, meaning courses and classes are totally seamless. As well as being an amazing way to experience different cities and musical cultures, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your global network of music industry contacts across multiple locations, which can only be a positive for your future career in music.

Your choice of location

Unsure of which two locations to choose? Fear not! Here’s a brief rundown of each musical city, to help you with your tricky decision.

LONDON

The capital of the global music industry. Home of Abbey Road Studios, Camden, Amy Winehouse, The O2 Arena, punk, Brixton, grime, Adele, Britpop, Wembley, the Rolling Stones, UK garage, David Bowie and Shoreditch. It really doesn’t get much better than this!

Brighton

The musical city by the sea. Home to Bohemians, Hippies and Hipsters, Fatboy Slim, buskers on the seafront, The Levellers, Concorde 2, Rizzle Kicks, Big Beat (and Beach) Boutique, The Kooks, karaoke on The Pier, and The Green Door Store. A laid back sunshiney vibe.

BERLIN

The city where modern musicians have flocked since the 1970s. Home of Marlene Dietrich, Berghain, Tangerine Dream, Friedrichshain, Rammstein, Kreuzberg, techno and Atari Teenage Riot. Temporary home of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, U2 and Peaches. Cheap, cheerful and creative.

BRISTOL

This mid-sized city packs a rather large musical punch. Home of Trip Hop, Massive Attack, Banksy, Stokes Croft, Portishead, Thekla, Tricky, The Fleece, Kosheen, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Love Saves the Day Festival, and The Old Duke. The city’s street art has a pretty impressive soundtrack indeed.

Manchester

A legendary city in the history of modern music. Home to Madchester, The Hacienda, New Order, Manchester Arena, Oasis, The Smiths, 24-Hour Party People, The Stone Roses, Parklife Festival, Happy Mondays, Factory Records, Elbow, and Take That. Vibrant, fun and everlasting.

Birmingham

A city with an eclectic musical heritage. Home of Black Sabbath, Digbeth, Bhangra, Led Zeppelin, The Sunflower Lounge, UB40, Grindcore, Goldie, Godskitchen, the Jewellery Quarter, and Dexys Midnight Runners. Currently the best place in the UK to hear new music.

Hamburg

Hamburg’s renowned reputation as a musical hub goes as far back as the 17th century as the birthplace of composers Brahms and Mendelssohn. It’s also the city where the Beatles honed their craft. Hamburg is host to Reeperbahn Festival, Europe’s biggest club festival and get together of the music industry.